Elementary Education Major (BS)
Our elementary education major prepares pre-service teacher candidates through rigorous interdisciplinary coursework and a variety of field experiences that will enable them to effectively meet the needs of diverse students. Pre-service teacher candidates have the opportunity to participate and engage in communities of practice through student-led Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and through partnerships with trained mentors in local school divisions.
Unique to the University of Lynchburg is our integration of the evidence-based New Teacher Center (NTC) framework for teacher development throughout the undergraduate program. Our elementary education program develops the habits of mind and professional dispositions that lay the foundation and inform the practices of successful educators.
Upon completion, candidates will earn an initial teaching license for grades Pk-6.
Elementary Education with Special Education – General Curriculum (K – 6) Add-On Endorsement
The coursework in the Elementary Education major is intentionally designed to equip candidates to meet the diverse needs of all learners in their classes, including students receiving special education services through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Beginning Fall 2022, candidates enrolling in the Elementary Education major may elect to complete a Special Education practicum the last two weeks of their student teaching semester to be eligible for a Virginia state teaching license with endorsements in Elementary Education (PreK – 6) and Special Education General Curriculum (K-6) at the completion of all program and licensure requirements.
Elementary Education majors who choose to complete the Special Education – General Curriculum (K – 6) Add-On Endorsement requirements significantly expand their job opportunities and graduate highly qualified to teach special education (K- 6) or elementary education (Pre-K – 6). Graduates with such qualifications are highly sought after by district and school administrators given the critical shortage of special educators across the country.
What Will I Study?
In addition to professional education courses, you will explore a wide variety of subjects including the arts, sciences, English, history, social studies, and economics. If adding on the special education license, Your coursework will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to individualize and differentiate instruction to ensure students with disabilities have meaningful access to the general education curriculum.
You will engage in practical experiences throughout your coursework in various education classes, and fulfill a semester of full-time student teaching, leading you to state licensure in Virginia.
Featured Courses
Featured Courses with the Special Education – General Curriculum (K – 6) Add-On Endorsement
What Kind of Job Can I Get?
You will be prepared to teach PK-6 in public or private school settings with the Elementary Education license. However, if adding the Special Education-General Curriculum Add-On Endorsement, candidates will also be credentialed to teach special education students in grades K-6 in public or private school settings.
Program Approval
Our program is approved by the Virginia Department of Education
P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, VA 23218
804.371.2475
Faculty Contacts
Andrea P. Beam, EdD
Associate Professor of Education
Chair of the Elementary Education Department
434.544.8381
beam_a@lynchburg.edu
Victoria Hobson, EdD
Assistant Professor of Elementary Education